Direct Democracy Diaries

Ballot Initiative Strategy Center
  • 5.0 (20)
  • Politics
  • Updated Biweekly

Direct Democracy Diaries explores ballot measures from grassroots campaigns to transformative victories. Hosted by Chris Melody Fields Figueredo and Caroline Sánchez-Avakian from the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center, we bring you stories of activists who've harnessed direct democracy for community change. Whether you're a seasoned leader or newcomer, tune in as we break down campaign strategies. Each episode features compelling stories about coalition building, signature gathering, and defending victories, showing how democracy works from the ground up. https://ballot.org/

Episodes

  1. 2d ago

    Consultants as Campaign and Movement Partners

    In this episode of Direct Democracy Diaries, Caroline Sanchez-Avakian and Chris Melody Fields Figueredo speak with Leticia Martinez, partner at Mission Control, and Jess Grennan, founder of Simple Majority, about the role consultants play in ballot measure campaigns and movement work. Leticia and Jess discuss what makes consultant partnerships effective, where trust can break down, and why transparency, legal counsel, compliance, research, and early collaboration matter. They also examine the tension between campaign messaging and long-term movement goals, the importance of knowing when to lead or push back, and how campaigns can build lasting organizational capacity, skills, relationships, and infrastructure beyond Election Day. Learn more about Mission Control and the work they're doing to support movement organizations and campaigns. Learn more about Simple Majority and their work helping progressive organizations build stronger strategy, messaging, and organizational capacity. Leticia Martinez on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leticia-martinez-1b7a6b10  Jess Grennan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicagrennan  Chris Melody Fields Figueiredo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-melody-fields Caroline Sánchez-Avakian on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolineavakian BISC Official Website: https://ballot.org/ BISC on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ballotstrategy/ BISC on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ballot-initiative-strategy-center

    Consultants as Campaign and Movement Partners

  2. Sep 9

    Building Democracy From the Ground Up: Kelley Robinson on Power, Joy, and, Belonging

    In the season two opener of Direct Democracy Diaries, Chris Melody Fields Figueredo and Caroline Sánchez Avakian speak with Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign and Human Rights Campaign Foundation, about the state of American democracy and what it takes to build lasting power. Kelley reflects on her family history, the fragility of civil rights, and why local organizing matters—from school boards to block parties. They discuss interconnected attacks on LGBTQ+ people and other communities, the need to move beyond defense, the role of storytelling and listening, and how organizers can stay focused amid constant crisis. Kelley also shares why joy, belonging, and community are essential to sustaining movements and creating a more inclusive democracy. To learn more about Kelley’s work - go to Human Rights Campaign One Year Into Trump Administration & LGBTQ+ Messaging Playbook for the MidtermsBISC’s new Substack - Direct Democracy DispatchBISC Report: Attacks on the Ballot Measure Process

    Building Democracy From the Ground Up: Kelley Robinson on Power, Joy, and, Belonging

  3. 11/19/2025

    E7:  Beyond the Ballot: Building Movements Through Ballot Measures

    In the season finale of Direct Democracy Diaries, hosts Chris Melody Fields Figueredo and Caroline Sanchez-Avakian sit down with Maurice Mitchell, National Director of the Working Families Party. Maurice shares how his Caribbean immigrant upbringing and lifelong organizing work shape his political vision. Together, they explore the role of ballot measures in building movements, the 2025 election outcomes, and the critical need to fight not only against fascism but for dignity, affordability, and power for working people. This episode offers a call to action to build authentic, connected, and community-rooted political power. If you’re interested in the work that Maurice Mitchell and the Working Families Party are doing, you can learn more at: http://workingfamilies.org/ BISC on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ballotstrategy⁠⁠⁠⁠ BISC on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/ballot-initiative-strategy-center/⁠⁠⁠⁠ BISC on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@ballotinitiativestrategycenter

    E7:  Beyond the Ballot: Building Movements Through Ballot Measures

  4. 11/12/2025

    E6: From Victory to Vigilance: Richard von Glahn on Post-Election Power

    In this episode of Direct Democracy Diaries, Chris and Caroline are joined by Richard von Glahn, a longtime ballot initiative strategist with Missouri Jobs with Justice. Together, they explore what happens after the win—when implementation battles begin and the work of organizing deepens. From California’s Proposition 50 and Maine’s defense of voting access, to Colorado’s tax reforms for school meals, they trace 2025 ballot trends that shape the road to 2026. Richard shares stories from Missouri’s fight to uphold Proposition A, lessons from campaigns won and lost, and how movement-building becomes the foundation for long-term power. This episode highlights why organizing doesn’t end at the ballot box—and how every campaign is a step toward collective agency.    ___________________________________________________________________________________________________   [00:00:00] Intro [00:01:13] Discussion of California's Proposition 50 and its implications on gerrymandering.  [00:02:24] Introduction of Richard von Glahn and the significance of Maine's ballot measures.  [00:04:35] Overview of Colorado's Measures LL and MM and their impact.  [00:06:03] Richard’s advocacy background and ballot initiative involvement.  [00:10:34] Missouri’s coalition building and strategy after winning ballot measures.  [00:14:24] Implementation challenges of Proposition A in Missouri.  [00:20:31] Power building lessons from union and worker organizing.  [00:23:33] Lessons from failed campaigns and the importance of movement building.  [00:27:31] Powerful stories that shaped campaign narratives.  [00:31:04] Gerrymandering and initiative process threats in Missouri.  [00:33:09] BISC's role in ballot measure strategy and campaign support.  [00:36:20] Importance of early campaign funding for power building.  [00:38:47] Lessons from organizing against authoritarian structures.  [00:41:33] Advice for new and seasoned advocates in ballot measure work.  [00:46:24] Ballot measures as love letters to communities.  ___________________________________________________________________________________________________   If you’re interested in the work that Richard and Missouri Jobs with Justice are doing, you can learn more at: https://mojwj.org/    To learn about the effort to stop gerrymandering in Missouri, check out https://peoplenotpoliticiansmo.org/    To learn more about ‘Building Power Beyond the Ballot Box’, go to: https://ballot.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Building-Power-Report.pdf  BISC Official Website: ⁠ https://ballot.org/⁠  BISC on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ballotstrategy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ BISC on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/ballot-initiative-strategy-center/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ BISC on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@ballotinitiativestrategycenter⁠ Chris Melody Fields Figueiredo on LinkedIn: ⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-melody-fields⁠  Caroline Sánchez-Avakian on LinkedIn: ⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolineavakian⁠

    E6: From Victory to Vigilance: Richard von Glahn on Post-Election Power

  5. 10/29/2025

    E5: Campaigning Towards Victory and What We Leave Behind with Fran Hutchins

    In this episode of Direct Democracy Diaries, Chris and Caroline sit down with Fran Hutchins, Executive Director of the Equality Federation, to reflect on two decades of ballot measure campaigns, queer movement building, and the importance of doing the work before the spotlight hits. Hutchins shares lessons from marriage equality battles in Maine and California, the evolution of trans rights messaging, and the real meaning of cross-movement solidarity. With honesty and strategy, they explore what it takes to build durable power—and how today’s bodily autonomy fights can be a love letter to our people.  Find out more about Fran and Equality Federation here: https://www.equalityfederation.org/author/fran-hutchins BISC on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ballotstrategy⁠⁠⁠ BISC on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/ballot-initiative-strategy-center/⁠⁠⁠ BISC on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@ballotinitiativestrategycenter

    E5: Campaigning Towards Victory and What We Leave Behind with Fran Hutchins

  6. 10/22/2025

    E4: Beyond Translation: Culturally Rooted Messaging that Wins with Dusti Gurulé

    What makes voters lean in and say yes at the ballot box? In this episode, co-hosts Chris Melody Fields Figueredo and Caroline Sánchez-Avakian are joined by Dusti Gurulé, President & CEO of COLOR and COLOR Action Fund, to unpack the strategy of storytelling that resonates. From building narratives to navigating multilingual, cross-cultural outreach, Dusti shares how campaigns can craft narratives that truly connect with voters. If you’re interested in the work that Dusti and COLOR and the COLOR Action Fund are doing, you can learn more at: https://colorlatina.org/ You can also learn more about their ballot measure campaign at https://coloradansforreproductivefreedom.com/ BISC on Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ballotstrategy⁠⁠ BISC on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/ballot-initiative-strategy-center/⁠⁠ BISC on YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@ballotinitiativestrategycenter

    E4: Beyond Translation: Culturally Rooted Messaging that Wins with Dusti Gurulé

  7. 10/15/2025

    E3: From Signatures to Power: How Movements Get on the Ballot with Danielle Atkinson

    Signature gathering is more than just petition signing—it’s people power in action. In this episode, co-hosts Chris Melody Fields Figueredo and Caroline Sánchez-Avakian talk with Danielle Atkinson, founder of Mothering Justice and veteran organizer, about how the petition phase can make or break a campaign. From the nuts and bolts of getting started to the vulnerabilities every campaign faces, Danielle shares hard-earned lessons on turning signature collection into a deeper practice of base building and long-term community engagement. If you want to understand how movements turn signatures into real change, this episode is your guide. If you’re interested in the work that Danielle Atkinson and Mothering Justice are doing, you can learn more at: https://motheringjustice.org/ BISC on Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/ballotstrategy⁠⁠ BISC on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/ballot-initiative-strategy-center/⁠⁠ BISC on YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@ballotinitiativestrategycenter

    E3: From Signatures to Power: How Movements Get on the Ballot with Danielle Atkinson

  8. 10/08/2025

    E2: Running Ballot Measures with Community + Care with Lauren Brenzel + Sarah Parker

    Running a ballot measure takes more than signatures and soundbites—it takes people, trust, and courage. In this episode, co-hosts Chris Melody Fields Figueredo and Caroline Sánchez-Avakian sit down with organizers Lauren Brenzel (Florida's Yes on 4 Campaign Director) and Sarah Parker (Executive Director of Voices of Florida) to unpack what it really takes to launch a ballot initiative. From the tough early decision of whether to go to the ballot, to navigating funding challenges, to building a diverse and powerful coalition, Lauren and Sarah share the inside story of Florida’s 2024 fight for reproductive freedom. Listeners will learn how to balance strategy with care, build alignment across differences, and why the most powerful and equitable campaigns are always rooted in community. If you’ve ever wondered how grassroots organizing becomes a ballot measure, this conversation is your roadmap. If you’re interested in the work that Lauren and Sarah are doing, you can learn more at:  www.floridareprofreedom.org/  and www.voicesofflorida.org/ Check out a 2024 interview of Lauren with author and journalist Jessica Valenti: https://jessica.substack.com/p/chat-with-lauren-brenzel-campaign And also Sarah’s rousing and inspiring speech on election night 2024: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCBMGtVsVZV/ BISC on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/ballotstrategy⁠ BISC on LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/ballot-initiative-strategy-center/⁠ BISC on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@ballotinitiativestrategycenter

    E2: Running Ballot Measures with Community + Care with Lauren Brenzel + Sarah Parker

  9. 10/01/2025

    E1: How a Story of Redemption Transformed Democracy Across America with Desmond Meade

    Ballot measures are reshaping democracy from the ground up—but what does it really take to run one? In our very first episode, co-hosts Chris Melody Fields Figueredo and Caroline Sánchez-Avakian sit down with Desmond Meade—MacArthur “Genius,” Time 100 honoree, and the visionary behind Florida’s Amendment 4, which restored voting rights to over 1.4 million people.Together, they unpack the strategy, storytelling, and sheer determination that make ballot measures powerful tools for change. From building unlikely coalitions to centering the voices of those most impacted, this episode dives deep into why ballot measures matter now more than ever—and how dreaming big can transform our democracy. Learn more about the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition: floridarrc.com and grab a copy of Desmond Meade’s book. You can also listen to Desmond’s podcast, Our Voice, with co-host Neil Volz. BISC on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ballotstrategy BISC on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ballot-initiative-strategy-center/ BISC on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ballotinitiativestrategycenter Ballot Initiative Strategy Center | BISC Foundation

    E1: How a Story of Redemption Transformed Democracy Across America with Desmond Meade

  10. Trailer

    Direct Democracy Diaries (TRAILER)

    Direct Democracy Diaries is a podcast exploring ballot measures from grassroots campaigns to transformative victories. Hosted by Chris Melody Fields Figueredo and Caroline Sánchez-Avakian from the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center, this show brings you stories of activists and organizers who've harnessed direct democracy to create change. Whether you're a seasoned ballot measure leader or a newcomer, tune in as we break it all down. Each episode features compelling stories from leaders, covering coalition building, signature gathering, defending victories, and showing how democracy works from the ground up. Through intimate conversations with campaign leaders and activists, you'll learn how ballot measures drive progressive change in this critical political moment. Perfect for passionate democracy advocates, young leaders, and activists ready to make their mark. Join us in celebrating the people, strategies, and victories shaping democracy's future, one diary entry at a time. https://ballot.org/

Trailer

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out of 5
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About

Direct Democracy Diaries explores ballot measures from grassroots campaigns to transformative victories. Hosted by Chris Melody Fields Figueredo and Caroline Sánchez-Avakian from the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center, we bring you stories of activists who've harnessed direct democracy for community change. Whether you're a seasoned leader or newcomer, tune in as we break down campaign strategies. Each episode features compelling stories about coalition building, signature gathering, and defending victories, showing how democracy works from the ground up. https://ballot.org/

Information

  • Creator
    Ballot Initiative Strategy Center
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ballot Initiative Strategy Center
  • Show Website
    Direct Democracy Diaries

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